Cautious welcome for traffic calming

The start of a Traffic Calming scheme for Donaghcloney has been given a cautious welcome.

The scheme had been due to start in Mrach but delays meant it only got started on Friday, with some residents hardly daring to hope the work had actually begun.

Local Councillor Mark Baxter said: “Its been a long battle to see a traffic calming scheme implemented in Donaghcloney, Roads Service having been lobbied by the DUP for some seven years.

“An overwhelming positive response from the public consultation carried out by Transport NI eventually saw the project to fruition.

“The proposal does appear a little excessive and while it has the majority of public support in the village some residents are concerned as to the volume of speed cushions,

“I recognise where they are coming from and I’ve been liaising closely with Transport NI who have given assurances that this is the only traffic calming scheme viable for Donaghcloney, they have also promised to work closely with the contractors to ensure the profile of the ramps are correct so that there will be no adverse impact on vehicles.

“I do give the scheme a cautious welcome as I feel that safety is paramount and surely outweighs any negatives the project has.”

Upper Bann MLA Stephen Moutray added: “This is an issue that has been to the fore in Donaghcloney for many years, I’ve written to DRD minister and met with officials on many occasions to discuss the traffic problems faced in the village.

“Safety on our roads is an issue I feel very strongly about, later this month I’ve tabled an adjournment debate at Stormont concerning traffic safety in the proximity of schools, the safety of our children is paramount and I fully support Councillor Baxter in striving to make Donaghcloney as safe and as child friendly as possible.”

A resident in the village vented their frustration at the length of time it had taken for the scheme to start: “Donaghcloney is the forgotten village, we’re the forgotten people. Look at how quickly the traffic lights were brought in at the school crossing in Waringstown.”

She went on: “The Lisnasure Road is like a racetrack, I’m just waiting to hear the smack they are going so fast.”